Overthinking: meaning, definitions and examples

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overthinking

[ ˈoʊvərˌθɪŋkɪŋ ]

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mental process

Overthinking is the act of thinking about something too much or too long. It involves dwelling on details, analyzing every possible outcome, and often leads to excessive worry or stress. Overthinking can prevent a person from making decisions or taking action, as they are too focused on the potential negative consequences.

Synonyms

dwell, obsess, ruminate

Examples of usage

I tend to overthink every decision I make.
She was overthinking the situation and couldn't see a clear solution.
His overthinking caused him to miss out on opportunities.

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psychological concept

Overthinking refers to a cognitive process where an individual analyzes a situation or problem beyond what is necessary or productive. It is often associated with anxiety and can lead to mental exhaustion. Overthinking can result in a lack of clarity and decision paralysis, hindering problem-solving abilities.

Synonyms

dwelling, overanalyzing, ruminating

Examples of usage

Her overthinking often causes her unnecessary stress.
The habit of overthinking can be detrimental to one's mental health.
Overthinking can make simple tasks seem overwhelming.

Translations

Translations of the word "overthinking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pensar demais

🇮🇳 अत्यधिक विचार करना

🇩🇪 überdenken

🇮🇩 terlalu banyak berpikir

🇺🇦 надмірне міркування

🇵🇱 przemyślenie

🇯🇵 考えすぎる

🇫🇷 trop réfléchir

🇪🇸 pensar demasiado

🇹🇷 aşırı düşünme

🇰🇷 너무 생각하다

🇸🇦 التفكير الزائد

🇨🇿 přemýšlení

🇸🇰 premýšľanie

🇨🇳 过度思考

🇸🇮 premišljanje

🇮🇸 yfirhugsun

🇰🇿 артық ойлау

🇬🇪 ზედმეტი ფიქრი

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq düşünmək

🇲🇽 pensar demasiado

Word origin

The term 'overthinking' originated from the combination of 'over' and 'thinking', indicating an excessive or beyond necessary mental process. It has gained popularity in modern psychology and self-help literature due to its relevance in addressing anxiety and decision-making challenges. Overthinking has been a common human experience throughout history, but the term itself has become more prevalent in recent years with the recognition of its negative impact on mental well-being.